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- Tasks: Join a team to study volcanic eruptions and their societal impacts in the Eastern Caribbean.
- Company: University of Bristol, part of an interdisciplinary research project.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by integrating volcanology with history and archaeology.
- Qualifications: PhD in volcanology, field experience, and strong teamwork skills required.
- Other info: Open-ended contract with fixed funding until January 2029.
The predicted salary is between 43400 - 50200 £ per year.
Overview
The role
This 36 month Senior Research Associate position will join a team of investigators from the Universities of Bristol, Oxford, Plymouth and the West Indies on the Leverhulme-funded research grant Volcanic Histories. Led by the University of Bristol, Volcanic Histories is an interdisciplinary project that aims to understand the complex relationship between volcanic eruptions and the societal disruption they cause. The wider project will bring together volcanology, history, archaeology and disaster science to understand the drivers of volcanic disruption on several Eastern Caribbean volcanic islands. This post-doc position will be responsible for the field-based examination of the stratigraphic record of eruptive deposits, and the identification of key samples on which to use petrology and textural analysis to forensically detect drivers of fast-paced changes during or between eruptive episodes. You will also collaborate with the wider team to contextualise some eruptions within the historical record, and to integrate others with the archaeological record of pre-Colombian settlements on these islands. You will have field-based experience of the description and analysis of young pyroclastic deposits and be able to take advantage of the analytical instruments available at the University of Bristol (SEM, electron microprobe and XCT) to reconstruct the pre and syn-eruptive changes preserved within in the stratigraphy. This project offers you the opportunity to participate in an interdisciplinary project, gaining knowledge of historical and archaeological research practice, and to integrate volcanological insights with these fields to improve disaster risk reduction. You should have an enthusiasm for collaborative working and knowledge sharing.
What will you be doing?
- Several periods of fieldwork (~2-3 weeks), working in a small team in the Eastern Caribbean, sampling, describing and correlating eruptive deposits
- Using textural analysis and microanalytical methods to reconstruct changing intensive parameters in the subsurface environment
- Contributing to the analysis and interpretation of archival records of historical eruptions in the Eastern Caribbean, and the correlation of eruptions with the archaeological record.
- Contributing to the integration and analysis of the eruptive histories with their societal impacts in the context of broader changes.
- Sharing and disseminating this knowledge via both academic and non-academic means
You should apply if
- A PhD level qualification in a suitable area of volcanology is desirable, with both field-based experience and knowledge of petrological and textural reconstruction of eruptive histories.
- You thrive in a team working environment with a capacity for integrative work, excellent time management and evidence for skills in report and academic paper writing.
- You can be based at the University of Bristol, with capacity to travel for fieldwork in the Eastern Caribbean
Additional information
- Contract type: Open ended, with fixed funding until 05/01/2029
- We would like the post holder to begin in or close to January 2026.
- Work pattern: Full time
- Grade: J/Pathway 2
- Salary: £43,482-£50,253 per annum
- School/Unit: School of Earth Sciences
- This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 15/10/2025
- Shortlisting is anticipated to take place on the 24th October 2025
- Interviews are anticipated to take place on the 26th November 2025
- For informal queries, please contact: Jenni Barclay (J.Barclay@bristol.ac.uk)
Our strategy and mission
We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.
The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people – because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.
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Senior Research Associate in Volcanic Petrology and Stratigraphy employer: University of Bristol Law School
Contact Detail:
University of Bristol Law School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Associate in Volcanic Petrology and Stratigraphy
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the people you'll be working with. Check out their publications and projects. This will help you connect during the interview and show that you're genuinely interested in the collaborative nature of the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for fieldwork discussions! Since this role involves field-based examination, be ready to chat about your past experiences in similar settings. Share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in the field and what you learned from them.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm for interdisciplinary work! Highlight any experiences where you've collaborated across different fields, like archaeology or history. This will demonstrate that you can integrate diverse insights into your volcanological research.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows that you’re keen on being part of our community at the University of Bristol.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Associate in Volcanic Petrology and Stratigraphy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Research Associate role. Highlight your field-based experience and any relevant skills in petrology and textural analysis that align with the job description.
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for volcanology and interdisciplinary collaboration shine through in your application. We want to see your excitement about working on the Volcanic Histories project and how you can contribute to the team.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your experiences and skills, making it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered for the position!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Bristol Law School
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your volcanic petrology and stratigraphy knowledge. Familiarise yourself with recent research in the field, especially related to the Eastern Caribbean. Being able to discuss specific eruptions and their societal impacts will show your passion and expertise.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
This role emphasises collaborative working, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked in teams before. Highlight any interdisciplinary projects you've been involved in, especially those that required integrating different fields like history or archaeology.
✨Fieldwork Experience is Key
Since the position involves field-based work, be prepared to discuss your previous field experiences. Talk about the techniques you've used for sampling and analysing eruptive deposits, and how you’ve tackled challenges in the field.
✨Communicate Clearly
You'll need to share your findings both academically and non-academically, so practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. Prepare to discuss how you would present your research to different audiences, showcasing your ability to engage with diverse groups.
